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Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Ensure Theyll Work In A Fire

Automatic sprinkler systems are the most effective means of providing life safety and limiting property loss during fires. The key to ensuring the system will work when needed is to include the system in an ongoing program of inspection, testing and maintenance performed by a qualified employee or sprinkler contractor.
Use the following partial chart from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Regulation 25 as a reference guide on wet pipe and regular dry pipe systems for what a program should include.

ITEM
Gauges (Dry Systems) Control Valves Alarm Devices Gauges (Wet Pipe Systems) Buildings Sprinklers Spare Sprinklers Fire Department Connections Alarm Devices Main Drain Antifreeze Solution Gauges Sprinklers-Extra High Temp. Sprinklers-Fast Response Sprinklers Pump House:

ACTIVITY
Inspection Inspection Inspection Inspection Inspection Inspection Inspection Inspection Test Test Test Test Test Test Test Inspection Inspection Inspection Test Test

FREQUENCY
Weekly/Monthly Weekly/Monthly Quarterly Monthly Annually (Prior to Freezing Weather) Annually Annually Monthly Quarterly Annually Annually Five Years Five Years At 20 years and Every 10 Years Thereafter At 50 years and Every 10 Years Thereafter Weekly Weekly Weekly Weekly Annually
Page 1 of 2 LC-15655 Rev 10/09

Heating Ventilating Louvers Fire Pump System No-Flow Condition Flow Condition

Pump Operation:

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

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SPRINKLER SYSTEM CHECKLIST

Use the following checklist to determine the status of your system. If test date is not available, then the tests may not have been performed.

YES

NO

N/A

Are all systems in service? ........................................................................................................ Are valves locked in open position or located in a secure area? ................................................ Are valves located in heated areas? . ........................................................................................ Are valves readily accessible and free of obstruction? ............................................................... Has 2 main drain test been conducted on schedule? .............................................................. Date test was conducted: _________________ Pressure readings: Before test: _______________ psi During test: _______________ psi After test: _ ______________ psi Who conducted the test? _ ________________ Have sprinkler alarms been tested on schedule? ...................................................................... Date test was conducted: Has dry pipe valve been trip tested on schedule? ..................................................................... Date test was conducted: _________________ What were test results?____________________ Who conducted tests?_ ___________________ Has fire pump been tested on schedule? ................................................................................. Date test was conducted: _________________ What were test results?____________________ Who conducted tests?_ ___________________ Is the fire department connection unobstructed and caps in place? . ........................................ Extra sprinkler heads and wrench kept on hand? ..................................................................... Minimum 18 clearance maintained under sprinkler heads? . .................................................... Are sprinkler heads obstructed in any manner by dried-on paint, corrosion, tape, nearby beams for ducts, new ceilings? .....................................................................................

WHEN RENTING OR LEASING

When the rental agreement is drawn up, determine in writing who is responsible for proper inspection, testing and maintenance of the buildings automatic sprinkler system. Otherwise, the landlord may consider such activities to be part of the tenants normal maintenance responsibilities.
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DISCLAIMER
The recommendations printed here follow generally accepted safety standards. Compliance with these recommendations does not guarantee that you will be in conformance with any building code, or federal, state or local regulations regarding safety or fire. Compliance does not ensure the absolute safety of you, your operations or place of business. American Family Mutual Insurance Company and its Subsidiaries, American Family Insurance Company Home OfficeMadison, WI 53783 Page 2 of 2 LC-15655 Rev 10/09